Feds say 'no evidence of terrorism,' in bridge blast, criticize Poilievre for 'terrorist attack' remark

The federal government confirmed Thursday there is 'no evidence of terrorism at this time,' in regards to the Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion on Wednesday, and are now accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for jumping to conclusions in raising the spectre of a 'terrorist attack,' early on.

The federal government confirmed Thursday there is "no evidence of terrorism at this time," in regards to the Rainbow Bridge vehicle explosion on Wednesday, and are now accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for jumping to conclusions in raising the spectre of a "terrorist attack," early on.

"Yesterday in question period, when we learned of what was happening at the border in Niagara Falls, instead of taking a step back and asking what is going on… he immediately jumped to the conclusion that this was a terrorist attack without any knowledge or information that this was the case," Government House Leader Karina Gould said Thursday.

"That is not what leadership is. Leadership is about reassuring Canadians. It's about providing calm, it's about ensuring the safety, not fear mongering, not riling them up," Gould continued.

She was referencing Poilievre's first two questions to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during question period on Wednesday, which came minutes after the PMO issued a statement indicating Trudeau had been briefed "about the situation in Niagara Falls."

"Mr. Speaker, we just heard media reports about a terrorist attack at the border in Niagara. Two people may have been killed and a third injured. Can the prime minister give us any information about this terrorist attack?" Poilievre asked first in French, in a question that began at 2:23 p.m. ET, according to ParlVu.

The prime minister responded, indicating that at that time the situation was "very serious," and work continued, referencing what then were four border closures. Poilievre then asked about the situation again in English, at 2:25 p.m. ET, according to ParlVu, once again using the phrase "media reports of a terrorist attack."

In his response, Trudeau noted that "there are a lot of questions" and that Canadian security agencies were following up with U.S. officials "to try to rapidly get as many answers as possible." Trudeau also informed the House of Commons that "additional measures" were at that time, "being contemplated and activated" at all border crossings across the country. Vowing updates, Trudeau then excused himself to go receive further information.